Taking to their Facebook page, developer Deep Silver has revealed that the recent Australian classified edition of their upcoming open-world sandbox title Saints Row 4 will not be able to play with international fans in the optional co-op mode.

The restriction comes as a recent ruling by the Classification Board placed the title into the MA15+ rating, however this was done by cutting out the optional Loyalty Mission from the game. This mission in particular involves alien narcotics in the simulation, which eventually have a positive effect in terms of gameplay, something that is not allowed to be displayed within Australia.

While we are very proud of all our different missions, we do feel that Saints Row IV on the whole remains largely the same without this single optional mission, and we also feel that you deserve to know what you are getting in Australia. Due to the changes we were forced to make, this version is different than the version rated by rating boards like the ESRB, USK, and PEGI, which is why it will be incompatible with those versions in co-op.

The Facebook post also revealed that the other controversial topic for classification, the "Rectifier" weapon that acted as an anal probe, is still under consideration on whether to be included in the Season Pass for Australian versions.

Those in New Zealand who are concerned they may also be getting a cut version will be happy to know that this isn't the case. Gamers will have access to both international co-op and the Rectifier weapon in the "uncut" version.

Saints Row IV will now launch on scheduled in Australia on August 22nd 2013 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.